50 Stories: Conserving the Cape

WWF Canada

On April 29, 2011, WWF celebrated 50 years of environmental conservation. Join us as we highlight 50 stories in 50 days, looking back at what we’ve achieved together and looking forward to another 50 years.
Imagine a landscape so bursting with plant life that scientists call it a “floral kingdom”. Picture over 9,000 different varieties, from popular garden plants like geraniums and freesias to South Africa’s national flower, the magnificent king protea.
Now, imagine the massive loss if this incredible natural wonder was wiped out.

Cape sugarbird, Republic-of-South-Africa (c) Martin-Harvey/WWF-Canon
What’s at stake?
The unique fynbos – low-lying scrub, shrubs and bushes – that covers the mountains, valleys and coastal plains of the Cape is classified as one of the world’s six floral kingdoms. Other floral kingdoms span whole continents – which should give you some idea of just how special the Cape is.
Although it covers just 0.04% of the world’s land surface, the Cape is home to 3% of the planet’s total plant species. Hectare for hectare, its plant life is even more rich and varied than the Amazon. But its beauty can’t protect it from the problems that threaten its future.
Already, the region is in danger from overdevelopment as urban areas sprawl into the countryside, uncontrolled fires wipe out huge areas of vegetation and invading plant species  crowd out the native plants.
So far, 1,736 plant species are at risk of extinction, while 26 have already been lost forever. We’re addressing these threats and making sure the area’s natural flower power stays strong.
The story so far
In the ’90s, we got together with the World Bank to build a conservation fund designed to protect the Cape. By 1998, the Table Mountain National Park was in full bloom. Almost 250 sq km of this unique landscape, including the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain itself, is now protected, just minutes away from the bustling centre of Cape Town.
We also brought together the government and local communities to form a special organization dedicated to conservation.
The success of Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE) proves that conservation brings benefits for the plants, animals and people who live on the land. The organization is helping to develop a “biodiversity economy”, promoting activities such as sustainable fynbos horticulture and ecotourism.
Already, some 300 landowners have agreed to preserve their land – and now we’ve helped bring 1,300 sq km under official protection.
Did you know?
The Cape is less than one-hundredth of the size of the British Isles, but is home to more than six times as many plant species.
Facts and stats

  • 90,000 sq km  – total size of the Cape
  • 8,500 – species of plant found in the Cape. Of these, 6,000 occur nowhere else.
  • 1,736 – Cape plant species threatened with extinction

What next?
We’ll continue to work with the people of the Cape to find practical conservation solutions that benefit everyone. We’re determined that the astonishing diversity found there should continue to flourish.
What you can do
Enjoy South Africa wine? Buying the right bottle can help boost conservation in the Cape.
Winemakers that are part of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative conserve a hectare of land for every hectare of vineyard they own. Check for the BWI label next time you’re at the supermarket.
Be part of the celebration!